There is no second-best in electoral contest. It is either you win or lose. However, some renegade members of APC are working for second-best or half measure, as they lack capacity for electoral victory in Enugu State. While the mainstream APC Enugu State, under Ugochukwu Agballah with the gubernatorial candidate, Uche Nnaji, are working to win all levels of election in the state, some disgruntled “takeholders” are convinced that APC is incapable of winning election in Enugu State. Nonetheless, these renegades are playing the spoilers politics, buying into Chimaroke Nnamani gimmick of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds.

The APC renegades are partaking in what could be described as inferiority contest as they are targeting 25% instead of total victory. While the mainstream APC Enugu State are mobilizing for victory at all levels of the 2023 elections (Presidency, National assemblies, Governorship and House of Assembly), the renegades lead by Ken Nnamani and Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu are asking for the crumbs from the PDP table.

In their convoluted way of doing things, they continue with the all motion, no movement strategy. They demonstrate this in their various outings and gatherings that never exceed 30 hangons.

In their latest outing at Dr. Ben Nwoye compound, Ben boosted that, it is not about numbers, but about negotiating power, as “they are in serious talks with Chinaroke Nnamani who assured APC will be allocated 25% of all votes posted at the collation center in the state”. When asked to elaborate on what he meant, he said their PDP counterparts understand what the deal is. When asked, if he is insinuating that PDP will write results and allocate 25% to APC, he said, all he knows is that PDP is in control of all institutions in the state including INEC, and his group is collaborating with them. Corroborating what Ben Nwoye said, Barr. Jerry Eneh said, they are not stressing about numbers, but about reaching a solid agreement with PDP in the state. When reminded that INEC is doing everything to ensure the 2023 elections are free and fair, Jerry retorted: “Can you take that assertion to the banks? This is Nigeria and we have ways of doing things. It’s about working with the right people, especially the institutions.”

It is unfortunate that some Nigerian politicians are dyed-in-the-wood manipulators, who are always scheming to circumvent the laws of the land. These people not only lie to themselves, but harbor the intent to deceitfully extort campaign fund from the Presidential candidate of APC, Bola Tinubu, through shadow chasing. The fact of the matter is that, it is no longer business as usual for PDP Enugu State. Admittedly, Ndi Enugu are now politically awake and ready to confront, in 2023, the PDP cabals who had foisted corrupt/bad governance upon them since 1999. Ironically, while other political parties including APC are working hard for the electoral victory at the polls, PDP is, mainly, visible in Enugu urban with billboards and posters since there are no performance indices with which to conduct real campaigns in constituents.

Any wonder then the APC gubernatorial candidate, Uche Nnaji tours of the 260 wards of Enugu State remain historic and unmatched; and APC candidates have remained focussed on grassroot mobilisation: meeting with voters, community leaders, traditional rulers and the religious. This is in contrast with the renegade-tactics of manipulation as being canvassed by the likes of Ken Nnamani, Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu, Ginika Tor, Ben Nwoye, etc, who are dancing to the gallery to please their pay-master at the lion building. But the good news is that Enugu Shall Rise Again.